I'm an author and advisor who focuses on helping those doing good in the world. I call myself a "champion of social good." As a Forbes Contributor I cover social entrepreneurship and impact investing. My books on personal finance and crowdfunding draw on his entrepreneurial finance experience as an investment banker, CFO, treasurer, and mortgage broker in order to help people use financial resources to do good. Previously I worked on the U.S. Senate Banking committee staff and earned an MBA at Cornell.

Crowdfunding For Boston Marathon Victims Shows Support From Around the World

Among the 170 wounded near the finish line of the Boston Marathon on Monday were Celeste and Sydney Corcoran, mother and daughter there to see her sister Carmen finish the race on Monday.

Sydney and Celeste Corcoran

Celeste lost both legs in the bombing and Sydney whose injuries were life threatening is expected to recover fully. Both women had additional surgeries today and anticipate more before their battle for recovery is complete.

Cousin to Celeste, Alyssa Carter reports that both women are in good spirits, with Celeste joking about becoming the “next Blade Runner.”

Alyssa, anxious to rally support for the family in the face of devastating emotional and financial costs associated with the treatment, recovery and long-term implications of the terrible injuries launched a crowdfunding campaign on the site GoFundMe.

Alyssa chose GoFundMe after talking to colleagues at work where she is involved in “online marketing.” An executive of her firm recommended the site, but before making a final selection she set up accounts on several sites, finally choosing GoFundMe for its ease of use and reputation. “I tried to think of someone like my Dad using it,” she says.

In just over 24 hours, $206,005 has been donated to the fund by nearly 3,000 people from across the country and around the world, with donations coming from as far away as Australia. The campaign got off to a quick start, Alyssa explains, with their “large Catholic family.” Once they all put out the word on FacebookFacebook and Twitter, the donations started to roll in immediately.

Sydney’s sister Carmen was stopped about half a mile before the finish line when the blasts ended the race. According to Alyssa, Celeste has seemed more disappointed not to have seen Carmen finish the race than to have lost her legs.

Alyssa notes on the campaign page that they are still looking to identify the heroes who saved Sydney’s life: “We are still trying to locate the heroes who helped at the scene as doctors believe they saved Sydney’s life. Many of you have seen the pictures of Sydney. I won’t post the pictures here, but can email them by request. There is one man in a plaid shirt, one with a grey t-shirt and blue baseball cap, and one with a red t-shirt which was used as a tourniquet on Sydney’s leg. We owe them unspeakable gratitude.”

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What a great story, Devin – thanks for covering this. So heartening to hear. I’ve run 3 Boston Marathons, and it is still stunning to realize a tragedy like this could happen at this kind of event. An amazing story about the two sisters, and the way the crowdsource community is responding.

Devin – Thanks so much for sharing. I’d like to add that StartSomeGood announced a special campaign today to raise money for those injured at the Boston Marathon. We have partnered with the Challenged Athletes Foundation, who hope to raise at least $13,000, or the cost of a “blade” running prosthetic. We hope this adds to the conversation and serves as a unique way to give for those wanting to help. http://startsomegood.com/boston

Devin, your story demonstrates the power of leveraging today’s social technology with people’s innate desire to do good by contributing money to a noble cause. Technology also unites us all regardless of beliefs, cultural, or political borders. Can you imagine the social and financial impact of crowdfunding platforms like health verticals that combine donations, rewards, and/ or equity based crowdfunding? Investors or donors can make money as well as benefit from using the products of the ventures they are directing their money too. Imagine investments or donations flowing into stem cell technology that replaces certain body parts lost through accidents or tragedy like Boston marathon. The benefits of consulting and listening to the crowd combined with technology tools, are only limited by our imagination and desire to do good.

There is no questioning that the impact of the recent tragedy in Texas exceeds the impact of the Boston Marathon bombing, despite the lack of media attention. I hope your fundraising will be successful.

P.S. Those that know me, understand that there’s not much that excites me more than helping a fellow entrepreneur grow their business! I am passionate about sharing my resources, knowledge, and elite connections in order to build businesses cooperatively.